“The Jo Cox Loneliness Commission: children, young people and parents” by Action for Children

The National Commission on Loneliness is an independent, cross party group of experts, campaigners and individuals committed to tackling the national crisis of loneliness. The Commission aims to provide a focal point for pressures over a twelve-month period, launching in January 2017.

The Loneliness Commission was set up by the late Jo Cox MP who was deeply moved by the extent of the loneliness crisis in the country. Following the tragic loss of Jo, it was decided that the work of the Loneliness Commission would continue in her memory. Jo’s family have given permission for the Commission to be named after Jo and the Commission will work closely with the Jo Cox Foundation, to work towards providing a legacy for Jo’s work.

Loneliness and children, young people and parents theme (November 2017)

Action for Children is leading the theme on children, young people and parents and loneliness. The theme will seek to highlight the fact that many children, young people and parents experience loneliness. It will summarise what we already know, reflect children and parents’ experiences in their own words, highlight some of the factors which contribute to this, and make a series of practical and policy recommendations.

We will include children and young people up to the age of 25 (to include young people in and leaving the care system, as well as those who have an Education Health and Care Plan). We will also look at parents, particularly new parents. The spotlight month will consider issues for all children, young people and parents but with a focus on disadvantaged and vulnerable groups.

Getting involved

Action for Children is looking for partners to join with us to make the biggest possible impact on the issue of loneliness on children, young people and parents, and to highlight the issue from as many perspectives as possible.

We are still in the planning stage, but would welcome input from the Children and Young People’s Mental Health Coalition. We particularly welcome sharing of research, evidence or other materials which highlight the issue of loneliness; case studies and policy recommendations which relate to loneliness across the four nations.